How to Measure Your Bra Size

A well fitting Bra makes your clothes look better. Do you know your correct Bra Size? Do you know how to determine your Bra Size? Do you know how to measure Cup Size? Here's how.

Do you ever stand in the lingerie department and wonder to yourself "what bra size am I?" Does looking at a Bra Size Chart make you confused? Are you shopping for a first Bra, and don't know where to start?

Knowing how to measure your bra size correctly will make choosing a bra a lot easier.

Whether this is your first bra, your first post-pregnancy bra, or you have just never felt like you found the right fit for you, this sizing method will help.

A Bra that fits correctly feels good over the course of the day. No tugging at straps, no bulges at the sides, no shifting to get the girls back in place. And for those of you who were blessed with a larger size, no more back ache!

The right Bra size not only FEELS better, it LOOKS better! Granted, the general public will not see you in your bra (unless, that's your thing), but everyone will see how much better your clothes fit. It's like a building... a good foundation will keep the structure in place.

Here is a simple lesson on how to measure for a bra in the comfort of your own home. Knowing your size will make searching through the lacy maze much easier.

(ps... sorry in advance to anyone hoping for a little cheesecake on this page... measuring myself and taking photos at the same time proved to be too difficult..)

How to Determine Your Bra Size

Bra Size is Determined By Two Simple Measurements

You will need to take 2 measurements to determine your bra size. Band and Bust... then it's a simple calculation to find your correct size.

(Don't worry, you won't need an advanced engineering degree to work it out!)

You need a Measuring Tape, like the one a seamstress would use (not the metal one a contractor uses, and for heaven's sake, do NOT use a yardstick.... )

And maybe a piece of paper to write the numbers down.

When you are ready to measure, you should either be bare chested, or wear a non-padded bra.

Ready?

You Need a Measuring Tape

Flexible, Marked With Inches and Centimeters... These Vinyl Tapes are practically Indestructable.

Make Sure Your Bra FITS

Not All Bras Are Created Equal

Despite all of your measuring, not all bras in your size will fit you. Manufacturers cut corners, or use different standards of measurment known only to the guys in the back room. The only way to know for sure if the bra fits? Try it on....

Ordering a Bra online is fine, just make sure they have a good return policy. I actually prefer trying Bras on in the privacy of my home

Do the straps dig into your shoulders? Can they be loosened?

Try loosening the straps a bit, if it's still uncomfortable, maybe find a bra with wide straps.

Does the band dig in under your bust? Even in the last hook setting?

Because Bra's stretch, you want it to fit snuggly on the last hook. As it loosens up, you can go to another hook. If the Bra DIGS into you, try a bigger band size.

Bend over a bit... Do the girls stay in the cups?

If you are blessed with a larger cup size, you may have to look for a full coverage bra for everyday wear. (Yes, you can still buy that teeny lacy bra, just be aware that you'll be tugging and squeezing things back into place if you wear it while chasing kids around the park).

Do the girls fit in the cup? Or do they bulge over?

Find a bigger cup size, or a bra that has more coverage. Having an odd extra bulge spoils the look of your T shirts.

One final note... you don't have to pay the earth for a good bra, HOWEVER, you do often get what you pay for. If you buy something cheap and flimsy feeling, chances are it will get stretched out and not fit for long. This is an item of clothing you wear A LOT! Consider it an investment in yourself.... in how you look, and how you feel at the end of the day.

Did You Find the Help You Were Looking For?

You can check for yourself in the privacy of your home with a measuring tape... some stores have women who will measure for you. Measure around your chest just under your breasts for the band size.Then measure around at the largest part of your breasts to get the next calculation. The chart will give you the cup size.

I swear by Marks & Spencer here in the UK and Maidenform when I can afford to purchase Stateside. M&S have specialists who measure you on request. Maidenform's bras often come in the band sizes S M L and the only thing you need to worry about then is the cup size, which is well and clearly explained above.